Treatment of allergic rhinitis using a combination of mometasone and olopatadine

ABSTRACT

The present patent application relates to a method of treating allergic rhinitis in a subject (preferably a human) by administering a combination of mometasone or its salt and olopatadine or its salt.

This patent application claims priority to Indian Provisional Patent Application Number 3174/MUM/2013 filed Oct. 4, 2013, the entire contents of which are incorporated by reference herein.

TECHNICAL FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present patent application relates to a method of treating allergic rhinitis in a subject (preferably a human) by administering a combination of mometasone or its salt and olopatadine or its salt.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Allergic rhinitis is a medical term for inflammation and irritation of the mucous membrane inside the nose. It generally occurs when an allergen such as pollen, dust, or animal dander (particles of shed skin and hair) is inhaled by an individual with a sensitized immune system. Allergic rhinitis may cause additional symptoms such as rhinorrhea (excess nasal secretion), sneezing, nasal itching, nasal congestion and obstruction, coughing, headache, fatigue and malaise. Symptoms may vary in severity between individuals.

Many treatment options are available for treating allergic rhinitis such as, for example, antihistamines (e.g., cetirizine and loratadine), steroids (e.g., triamcinolone), decongestants, and leukotriene receptor antagonists (e.g., montelukast). These treatments are generally administered orally or nasally.

Olopatadine hydrochloride, an antihistamine, is chemically described as (Z)-11-[3-(dimethylamino)propylidene]-6,11-dihydrodibenz[b, e]oxepin-2-acetic acid hydrochloride, and is disclosed in U.S. Pat. Nos. 4,871,865 and 4,923,892. It is commercially available in the United States as PATANASE® Nasal Spray, which contains 0.6% w/v olopatadine (base) in a non-sterile aqueous solution. It is indicated for the relief of the symptoms of seasonal allergic rhinitis (SAR) in adults and children 6 years of age and older.

Mometasone furoate is a glucocorticosteroid used topically to reduce inflammation of the skin or in the airways. Mometasone furoate monohydrate is commercially available in the United States as NASONEX®, a nasal spray indicated for (i) the treatment of nasal symptoms of allergic rhinitis in patients ≧2 years of age, (ii) the treatment of nasal congestion associated with seasonal allergic rhinitis in patients ≧2 years of age, (iii) the prophylaxis of seasonal allergic rhinitis in patients ≧12 years of age, and (iv) the treatment of nasal polyps in patients ≧18 years of age. It is available as 50 mcg in a metered-dose, manual pump spray unit containing an aqueous suspension of mometasone furoate monohydrate equivalent to 0.05% w/w mometasone furoate (calculated on the anhydrous basis).

International Publication No. WO 2011/141929 discloses an aqueous nasal spray solution comprising fluticasone and olopatadine.

U.S. Pat. No. 6,127,353 discloses a pharmaceutical composition of mometasone furoate monohydrate.

U.S. Pat. Nos. 7,977,376 and 8,399,508 disclose a topical formulation of olopatadine hydrochloride.

International Publication No. WO 2011/008923 discloses a nasal spray regimen of olopatadine for children.

International Publication No. WO 1995/020393 discloses the use of mometasone furoate for treating airway passage and lung diseases.

International Publication No. WO 2010/025236 discloses a combination of a nasal steroid and a nasal antihistamine for the treatment of viral upper respiratory tract infections, upper respiratory infections, and common colds.

There still exists a need for easy to use and effective treatments for allergic rhinitis.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to a fixed dose combination of mometasone or its salt and olopatadine or its salt and its use for the treatment of rhinitis in a subject in need thereof. The inventors have surprisingly found that mometasone furoate and olopatadine hydrochloride act synergistically in the treatment of allergic rhinitis and is more effective and provides better therapeutic value than treatment with either active ingredient alone.

In an embodiment, the present invention relates to a method of treating allergic rhinitis in a subject (e.g., a human) in need thereof comprising nasally administering to the subject an effective amount of a fixed-dose pharmaceutical composition comprising mometasone or its salt and olopatadine or its salt. Preferably, the composition is nasally administered as 1 or 2 sprays per nostril of the subject at least once daily. Each spray preferably comprises mometasone or its salt and olopatadine or its salt in a weight ratio of about 1:5 to about 1:60, such as in a weight ratio of from about 1:12 to about 1:53, from about 1:13.3 to about 1:50, or from about 1:18 to about 1:40 (based on the equivalent weight of olopatadine free base). In one embodiment, the fixed-dose pharmaceutical composition is a suspension wherein the mometasone or its salt is present in particulate form and the olopatadine or its salt is present in dissolved form.

Another embodiment relates to a method of treating allergic rhinitis in a subject (e.g., a human) in need thereof comprising nasally administering to the subject an effective amount of a fixed-dose pharmaceutical composition comprising mometasone furoate monohydrate and olopatadine hydrochloride. In one preferred embodiment, the composition is nasally administered as 1 or 2 sprays per nostril of the subject at least once daily. Each spray of the pharmaceutical composition may comprise olopatadine hydrochloride equivalent to about 300 mcg, about 450 mcg, about 600 mcg, about 750 mcg, or about 900 mcg of olopatadine, and about 12.5 mcg, about 25 mcg, about 37.5 mcg, about 50 mcg, or about 62.5 mcg of mometasone furoate. In one embodiment, each spray comprises olopatadine hydrochloride equivalent to about 600 mcg of olopatadine and about 25 mcg of mometasone furoate. In another embodiment, each spray comprises olopatadine hydrochloride equivalent to about 600 mcg of olopatadine and about 50 mcg of mometasone furoate.

Allergic rhinitis in the context of present invention includes, but is not limited to, inflammation and irritation of the mucous membrane inside the nose, and nasal and/or non-nasal symptoms associated therewith. It includes, for example, persistent allergic rhinitis, perennial allergic rhinitis, seasonal allergic rhinitis, chronic rhinitis, rhinitis medicamentosa, vasomotor rhinitis, infective rhinitis, autonomic rhinitis, hormonal rhinitis, drug-induced rhinitis, atrophic rhinitis, and gustatory rhinitis. Preferably, the allergic rhinitis is selected from perennial allergic rhinitis, persistent allergic rhinitis, seasonal allergic rhinitis, and nasal and/or non-nasal symptoms associated therewith.

In the context of present invention, the nasal and/or non-nasal symptoms associated with allergic rhinitis include, for example, sneezing, nasal itching, rhinorrhea (runny nose or excess nasal secretion), nasal congestion, coughing, ocular pruritis, excess lacrimation, headache, fatigue and malaise.

Another embodiment of the present invention relates to a method of treating allergic rhinitis in a subject (e.g., a human) in need thereof, the method comprising nasally administering to the subject an effective amount of a fixed-dose pharmaceutical composition comprising mometasone or its salt and olopatadine or its salt in a weight ratio of about 1:5 to about 1:60 or from about 1:12 to about 1:53, wherein (i) the composition is nasally administered as 1 or 2 sprays per nostril, once or twice daily, and (ii) each spray comprises olopatadine hydrochloride equivalent to about 600 mcg of olopatadine and about 25 mcg to about 50 mcg of mometasone furoate. In one embodiment, the composition is administered for about 1 week. In another aspect of the embodiment, the composition is administered for about 2 weeks.

Yet another embodiment relates to a method of treating allergic rhinitis in a human subject in need thereof comprising nasally administering to the human, a fixed-dose pharmaceutical composition comprising mometasone or its salt and olopatadine or its salt, wherein (i) the composition is nasally administered as 1 or 2 sprays per nostril, once or twice daily for at least 1 or 2 weeks, and (ii) each spray comprises olopatadine hydrochloride equivalent to about 600 mcg of olopatadine and about 25 mcg to about 50 mcg of mometasone furoate. In one embodiment, the total nasal symptoms score (TNSS) of the human subject is reduced by at least 40%, preferably by at least 50% from baseline after 1 or 2 weeks treatment. In another embodiment, the total ocular symptom score (TOSS) of the human subject is reduced by at least 30%, preferably by at least 40% from baseline after 1 or 2 weeks treatment.

In one embodiment, the subject suffers from persistent allergic rhinitis and is treated for 4 or 6 weeks.

In another embodiment, the subject exhibits a positive skin prick test to an allergen. Alternately, the subject may also exhibit positive blood tests showing an allergy.

In yet another embodiment, the method involves no significant treatment-related adverse effects in the subject after 1 or 2 weeks treatment.

Another embodiment relates to a method of treating seasonal allergic rhinitis and/or nasal symptoms associated with seasonal allergic rhinitis in a subject (e.g., a human) in need thereof comprising nasally administering to the subject a synergistic combination comprising mometasone furoate and olopatadine hydrochloride, wherein the combination is in the form of a pharmaceutical composition comprising mometasone furoate and olopatadine hydrochloride in a weight ratio of about 1:5 to about 1:60 or from about 1:13.3 to about 1:53.2 (based on the equivalent weight of olopatadine free base).

In additional embodiments, the methods of treating allergic rhinitis in a subject (e.g., a human) described herein comprises nasal administration of the fixed-dose pharmaceutical composition comprising mometasone or its salt and olopatadine or its salt to the subject according to one of the following regimens:

a) the composition is nasally administered as 1 spray per nostril once daily for a period of at least 1 week;

b) the composition is nasally administered as 2 sprays per nostril once daily for a period of at least 1 week;

c) the composition is nasally administered as 1 spray per nostril twice daily for a period of at least 1 week;

d) the composition is nasally administered as 2 sprays per nostril twice daily for a period of at least 1 week;

e) the composition is nasally administered as 1 spray per nostril once daily for a period of 2 weeks;

f) the composition is nasally administered as 2 sprays per nostril once daily for a period of 2 weeks;

g) the composition is nasally administered as 1 spray per nostril twice daily for a period of 2 weeks; or

h) the composition is nasally administered as 2 sprays per nostril twice daily for a period of 2 weeks.

In an aspect of the invention, the composition is administered as 1 or 2 sprays per nostril of the subject (e.g., a human), at least once daily for a period of 1 week or 2 weeks. In another aspect of the embodiment, each spray of the composition comprises olopatadine hydrochloride equivalent to about 600 mcg of olopatadine and about 25 mcg to about 50 mcg of mometasone furoate. Preferably, each spray of the composition comprises about 665 mcg of olopatadine hydrochloride (equivalent to about 600 mcg of olopatadine) and about 25 mcg or about 50 mcg of mometasone furoate. In yet another aspect of the embodiment, the total nasal symptoms score (TNSS) of the human subject is reduced by at least 40% or at least 50% from baseline after 1 or 2 weeks treatment. In yet another aspect of the embodiment, the total ocular symptom score (TOSS) of the human is reduced by at least 30% or at least 40% from baseline after 1 or 2 weeks treatment. In yet another aspect of the embodiment, no significant treatment-related adverse effects are observed in the human after 1 or 2 weeks treatment. In yet another aspect of the embodiment, the human subject is a patient exhibiting a positive skin prick test to an allergen.

Another embodiment relates to the use of mometasone or its salt and olopatadine or its salt in a weight ratio of about 1:5 to about 1:60 or from about 1:12 to about 1:53 for the manufacture of a fixed-dose pharmaceutical composition for the treatment of allergic rhinitis in a subject (e.g., a human) in need thereof. Preferably, the composition is nasally administered as 1 or 2 sprays per nostril of the subject once or twice daily. In an aspect, the fixed-dose pharmaceutical composition is a suspension where mometasone or its salt is present in particulate form and the olopatadine or its salt is present in dissolved form. In another aspect of the embodiment, the composition is administered for a period of about 1 or 2 weeks. The total nasal symptoms score (TNSS) of a human subject is preferably reduced by at least 40% or at least 50% from baseline after 1 or 2 weeks treatment. The total ocular symptom score (TOSS) of a human subject is preferably reduced by at least 30% or at least 40% from baseline after 1 or 2 weeks treatment. In yet another aspect of the embodiment, no significant treatment-related adverse effects are observed in the human subject after 1 or 2 weeks treatment. In yet another aspect of the embodiment, the human subject is a patient exhibiting a positive skin prick test to an allergen.

Another embodiment relates to a fixed-dose pharmaceutical composition comprising mometasone or its salt and olopatadine or its salt in a weight ratio of about 1:5 to about 1:60 for use in treating allergic rhinitis in a subject (e.g., a human) in need thereof, wherein the composition is nasally administered as 1 or 2 sprays per nostril of the subject at least once daily. In an aspect, the fixed-dose pharmaceutical composition is a suspension wherein mometasone or its salt is present in particle form (e.g., having a mean particle size of from about 1 to about 20 μm, or from about 1 to about 15 μm) and olopatadine or its salt is present in dissolved form.

The composition may be administered for a period of about 1 week, 2 weeks, 4 weeks, 6 weeks or 8 weeks. The total nasal symptoms score (TNSS) of the human subject is preferably reduced by at least 40% or at least 50% from baseline after 1 or 2 weeks treatment. The total ocular symptom score (TOSS) of the human subject is preferably reduced by at least 30% or at least 40% from baseline after 1 or 2 weeks treatment. In yet another aspect of the embodiment, no significant treatment-related adverse effects are observed in the human subject after 1 or 2 weeks treatment. In yet another aspect of the embodiment, the human subject is a patient exhibiting a positive skin prick test to an allergen.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a bar graph depicting the effect of a saline control, ovalbumin control, olopatadine hydrochloride (equivalent to 50 μg olopatadine base), mometasone furoate (10 μg), and a combination of mometasone furoate (10 μg) and olopatadine hydrochloride (equivalent to 50 μg olopatadine base) on the sneezing response in guinea pigs as described in Example 1.

FIG. 2 is a bar graph depicting the effect of a saline control, ovalbumin control, olopatadine hydrochloride (equivalent to 50 μg olopatadine base), mometasone furoate (10 μg), and a combination of mometasone furoate (10 μg) and olopatadine hydrochloride (equivalent to 50 μg olopatadine base) on total cell count in the nasal lavage of guinea pigs as described in Example 1.

FIG. 3 is a bar graph depicting the effect of a saline control, ovalbumin control, olopatadine hydrochloride (equivalent to 50 μg olopatadine base), mometasone furoate (10 μg), and a combination of mometasone furoate (10 μg) and olopatadine hydrochloride (equivalent to 50 μg olopatadine base) on the number of eosinophils in the nasal lavage of guinea pigs as described in Example 1.

FIG. 4 is a bar graph depicting the effect of a saline control, ovalbumin control, olopatadine hydrochloride (equivalent to 120 μg olopatadine base), mometasone furoate (10 μg), and a combination of mometasone furoate (10 μg) and olopatadine hydrochloride (equivalent to 120 μg olopatadine base) on the number of eosinophils in the nasal lavage of guinea pigs as described in Example 2.

FIG. 5 is a bar graph depicting the effect of a saline control, ovalbumin control, olopatadine hydrochloride (equivalent to 120 μg olopatadine base), mometasone furoate (10 μg), and a combination of mometasone furoate (10 μg) and olopatadine hydrochloride (equivalent to 120 μg olopatadine base) on the total cell count in the nasal lavage of guinea pigs as described in Example 2.

FIG. 6 is a bar graph depicting the effect of a saline control, ovalbumin control, olopatadine hydrochloride (equivalent to 120 μg olopatadine base), mometasone furoate (10 μg), and a combination of mometasone furoate (10 μg) and olopatadine hydrochloride (equivalent to 120 μg olopatadine base) on the sneezing response in guinea pigs as described in Example 2.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION Definitions

The terms used herein are defined as follows. If a definition set forth in the present application and a definition set forth earlier in a provisional application from which the present applications claims priority are in conflict, the definition in the present application shall control the meaning of the terms.

The term “effective amount” or “therapeutically effective amount” denotes an amount of an active ingredient that, when administered to a subject for treating allergic rhinitis, produces an intended therapeutic benefit in a subject. The term “active ingredient” (used interchangeably with “active” or “active substance” or “drug”) as used herein includes mometasone or its salt and olopatadine or its salt.

By “salt” or “pharmaceutically acceptable salt”, it is meant those salts which are, within the scope of sound medical judgment, suitable for use in contact with the tissues of humans and lower animals without undue toxicity, irritation, and allergic response, commensurate with a reasonable benefit to risk ratio, and effective for their intended use. Representative acid additions salts include, but are not limited to, hydrochloride, hydrobromide, sulphate, bisulphate, acetate, oxalate, valerate, oleate, palmitate, stearate, laurate, borate, benzoate, lactate, phosphate, tosylate, mesylate, citrate, maleate, fumarate, furoate, succinate, tartrate, ascorbate, glucoheptonate, lactobionate, and lauryl sulphate salts. Representative alkali or alkaline earth metal salts include, but are not limited to, sodium, calcium, potassium and magnesium salts. Preferably, the mometasone salt is mometasone furoate (e.g., mometasone furoate monohydrate) and the olopatadine salt is olopatadine hydrochloride.

As used herein, the term “mometasone and its salt” also includes hydrates of mometasone and its salts, such as a monohydrate, for example mometasone furoate monohydrate.

All references to the weight of, or a weight ratio including, “olopatadine or its salt” or “olopatadine or its salts” are based on the equivalent weight of olopatadine free base, unless otherwise specified.

The term “treating” or “treatment” as used herein also covers the prophylaxis, mitigation, prevention, amelioration, or suppression of a disorder.

The term “synergistic” or “synergy” as used herein refers to a combination exhibiting an effect greater than would be expected from the sum of the effects of the individual components of the combination alone. The term “synergistic” or “synergy” with regard to the combination of mometasone or its salt with olopatadine or its salt which is used in the treatment allergic rhinitis (for example, in the form of a pharmaceutical composition, a combination product or a kit according to the invention) refers to an efficacy for the treatment of the allergic rhinitis that is greater than would be expected from the sum of their individuals effects. The advantages for the synergistic combinations of the present invention include, but are not limited to, exhibiting enhanced efficacy compared to each of the ingredients when used alone, lowering the required dose of one or more of the active ingredients of the combination, reducing the side effects of one or more of the active compounds of the combination and/or rendering one or more of the active ingredients more tolerable to the subject in need of treatment of the allergic rhinitis.

By “pharmaceutically acceptable excipients”, it is meant any of the components of a pharmaceutical composition other than the actives and which are approved by regulatory authorities or are generally regarded as safe for human or animal use.

The term “subject” includes mammals like humans and other animals, such as domestic animals (e.g., household pets including cats and dogs) and non-domestic animals (such as wildlife). Preferably, the subject is a human. The human patient can be of any age. In one embodiment, the human subject is at least 2 years of age, at least 12 years of age, or at least 18 years of age. In another embodiment, the human subject is 18 to 65 years of age.

The term “allergic rhinitis” as used herein refers to an allergic and/or inflammatory disease of nasal mucosa, and includes, but is not limited to, inflammation and irritation of the mucous membrane inside the nose, and nasal and/or non-nasal symptoms associated therewith. Typically the allergic rhinitis includes persistent allergic rhinitis, perennial allergic rhinitis, seasonal allergic rhinitis, chronic rhinitis, rhinitis medicamentosa, vasomotor rhinitis, infective rhinitis, autonomic rhinitis, hormonal rhinitis, drug-induced rhinitis, atrophic rhinitis, and gustatory rhinitis. Preferably, the allergic rhinitis includes perennial allergic rhinitis, persistent allergic rhinitis, seasonal allergic rhinitis, and nasal and/or non-nasal symptoms associated therewith. More preferably, the allergic rhinitis includes seasonal allergic rhinitis, and nasal and/or non-nasal symptoms associated therewith.

In the context of present invention, the nasal and/or non-nasal symptoms associated with allergic rhinitis include, for example, sneezing, nasal itching, rhinorrhea (runny nose or excess nasal secretion), nasal congestion, coughing, ocular pruritis, excess lacrimation, headache, fatigue, and malaise.

Methods of Treatment

The present invention relates to use of a fixed dose combination of mometasone or its salt and olopatadine or its salt for the treatment of allergic rhinitis in a subject in need thereof. The inventors have surprisingly found that mometasone furoate and olopatadine hydrochloride act synergistically in the treatment of allergic rhinitis and their combination is more effective and provides better therapeutic value than treatment with either active ingredient alone.

In an embodiment, the present invention relates to a method of treating allergic rhinitis in a subject (e.g., a human) in need thereof comprising nasally administering to the subject, an effective amount of a fixed-dose pharmaceutical composition comprising mometasone or its salt and olopatadine or its salt. Preferably, the composition is nasally administered as 1 or 2 sprays per nostril of the subject at least once daily. Each spray may comprise mometasone or its salt and olopatadine or its salt in a weight ratio of about 1:5 to about 1:60, from about 1:10 to about 1:55 or from about 1:12 to about 1:53 or from about 1:13.3 to about 1:50. Preferably, the weight ratio of mometasone or its salt to olopatadine or its salt ranges from about 1:18 to about 1:40 or from about 1:24 to about 1:26.6. In an embodiment, the fixed-dose pharmaceutical composition is a suspension wherein mometasone or its salt is present in particulate form and the olopatadine or its salt is present in dissolved form.

Another embodiment relates to a method of treating allergic rhinitis in a subject (e.g., a human) in need thereof comprising nasally administering to the subject an effective amount of a fixed-dose pharmaceutical composition comprising mometasone furoate monohydrate and olopatadine hydrochloride. The composition may be nasally administered as 1 or 2 sprays per nostril of the subject at least once daily. Each spray of the pharmaceutical composition may comprise olopatadine hydrochloride equivalent to about 300 mcg, about 450 mcg, about 600 mcg, about 750 mcg, or about 900 mcg of olopatadine, and about 12.5 mcg, about 25 mcg, about 37.5 mcg, about 50 mcg, or about 62.5 mcg of mometasone furoate. In one embodiment, each spray comprises olopatadine hydrochloride equivalent to about 600 mcg of olopatadine and about 25 mcg of mometasone furoate. In another embodiment, each spray comprises olopatadine hydrochloride equivalent to about 600 mcg of olopatadine and about 50 mcg of mometasone furoate. Preferably, each spray comprises about 665 mcg of olopatadine hydrochloride (equivalent to about 600 mcg of olopatadine) and about 25 mcg or about 50 mcg of mometasone furoate.

Another embodiment relates to a method of treating allergic rhinitis in a subject in need thereof comprising nasally administering to the human, a fixed-dose pharmaceutical composition comprising mometasone or its salt and olopatadine or its salt in a weight ratio of about 1:5 to about 1:60 or from about 1:12 to about 1:53 or from about 1:13.3 to about 1:50, or from about 1:18 to about 1:40, wherein the composition is nasally administered as 1 or 2 sprays per nostril, once or twice daily. Each spray may comprise olopatadine hydrochloride equivalent to about 600 mcg of olopatadine and about 25 mcg to about 50 mcg of mometasone furoate. In an aspect of the embodiment, the composition is administered for about 1 week. In another aspect of the embodiment, the composition is administered for about 2 weeks.

Yet another embodiment relates to a method of treating allergic rhinitis in a subject (e.g., a human) in need thereof comprising nasally administering to the subject a fixed-dose pharmaceutical composition comprising mometasone or its salt and olopatadine or its salt, wherein the composition is nasally administered as 1 or 2 sprays per nostril, once or twice daily for at least 1 or 2 weeks. Each spray may comprise olopatadine hydrochloride equivalent to about 600 mcg of olopatadine and about 25 mcg to about 50 mcg of mometasone furoate. In one embodiment, the total nasal symptoms score (TNSS) of the subject is reduced by at least 40%, or preferably at least 50% from baseline after 1 or 2 weeks treatment. In another aspect of the embodiment, the total ocular symptom score (TOSS) of the subject is reduced at least 30%, or preferably by at least 40% from baseline after 1 or 2 weeks treatment.

In the context of present invention, evaluation of total nasal symptoms scores (TNSS) include the sum of scores of nasal congestion, rhinorrhea, itching and sneezing from baseline to the end of treatment (e.g., 1 or 2 weeks). Further evaluation of the total ocular symptoms scores (TOSS) includes ocular itching, tearing/watery eyes and ocular redness from baseline to the end of treatment.

Another embodiment is a method of treating allergic rhinitis in a subject, wherein the subject exhibits a positive skin prick test to an allergen. The skin prick test can be performed by pricking the skin with a needle or pin containing a small amount of ragweed allergen. In one embodiment, prior to administration of a combination of olopatadine and mometasone as described herein, the skin prick test was performed on the subject and resulted in a wheal diameter of at least 3 mm greater than a negative control such as saline.

The methods of treatment described herein can be administered to a subject without the subject exhibiting any significant treatment-related adverse effects, for example, after 1 or 2 weeks treatment.

The treatment related adverse effects in the context of the present invention may include, but are not limited to, eye disorders (e.g., conjunctivitis), gastrointestinal disorders (e.g., abdominal distension, diarrhoea, dyspepsia, dysphagia and gastric ulcer, haemorrhoidal haemorrhage, hyperchlorhydria, nausea and vomiting, and toothache), general disorders (e.g., fatigue, local swelling, peripheral oedema, pain and pyrexia), infections and infestations (e.g., oral herpes and upper respiratory tract infection), injury, poisoning and procedural complications, musculoskeletal and connective tissue disorders (e.g., arthralgia), nervous system disorders (e.g., disturbance in attention, dizziness, dysgeusia, and headache), reproductive system and breast disorder (e.g., dysmenorrhea) respiratory, thoracic and mediastinal disorders (e.g., dry throat, dyspnea, epitaxis, nasal congestion, nasal discomfort, respiratory tract haemorrhage, rhinorrhea, throat irritation, and upper-airway cough syndrome), skin and subcutaneous tissue disorders (e.g., rash and urticaria).

Another embodiment relates to a method of treating seasonal allergic rhinitis and/or nasal symptoms associated with seasonal allergic rhinitis in a subject (e.g., a human) in need thereof comprising nasally administering to the subject a synergistic combination comprising mometasone furoate and olopatadine hydrochloride, wherein the combination is in the form of a pharmaceutical composition comprising mometasone furoate and olopatadine hydrochloride in a weight ratio of about 1:5 to about 1:60 or from about 1:13.3 to about 1:53.2 (based on the equivalent weight of olopatadine free base).

Synergistic effects for the combination of mometasone furoate and olopatadine hydrochloride can be evaluated by various methods. One method for evaluating the efficacy of an agent for treating allergic rhinitis is the ovalbumin induced rhinitis model in guinea pigs. In such models, the effect of the treatment is studied in animals sensitized and challenged with ovalbumin, followed by detailed analysis of their sneezing response using whole body plethysmography and the total number of eosinophils in a nasal lavage sample.

The fixed-dose pharmaceutical composition comprising mometasone or its salt and olopatadine or its salt may be administered to the subject according to one of the following regimens:

a) the composition is nasally administered as 1 spray per nostril once daily for a period of at least 1 week;

b) the composition is nasally administered as 2 sprays per nostril once daily for a period of at least 1 week;

c) the composition is nasally administered as 1 spray per nostril twice daily for a period of at least 1 week;

d) the composition is nasally administered as 2 sprays per nostril twice daily for a period of at least 1 week;

e) the composition is nasally administered as 1 spray per nostril once daily for a period of 2 weeks;

the composition is nasally administered as 2 sprays per nostril once daily for a period of 2 weeks;

g) the composition is nasally administered as 1 spray per nostril twice daily for a period of 2 weeks; or

h) the composition is nasally administered as 2 sprays per nostril twice daily for a period of 2 weeks.

In an aspect of the invention, the composition is administered as 1 or 2 sprays per nostril of the subject, at least once daily for a period of 1 week or 2 weeks. In another aspect of the embodiment, each spray of the composition comprises olopatadine hydrochloride equivalent to about 600 mcg of olopatadine and about 25 mcg to about 50 mcg of mometasone furoate. Preferably, each spray of the composition comprises about 665 mcg of olopatadine hydrochloride (equivalent to about 600 mcg of olopatadine) and about 25 mcg or about 50 mcg of mometasone furoate.

In yet another aspect of the embodiment, the total nasal symptoms score (TNSS) of the subject is reduced by at least 40% or at least 50% from baseline after 1 or 2 weeks treatment. In yet another aspect of the embodiment, the total ocular symptom score (TOSS) of the subject is reduced by at least 30% or at least 40% from baseline after 1 or 2 weeks treatment. In yet another aspect of the embodiment, no significant treatment-related adverse effects are observed in the subject after 1 or 2 weeks treatment. In yet another aspect of the embodiment, the subject is a patient exhibiting a positive skin prick test to an allergen.

Another embodiment relates to the use of mometasone or its salt and olopatadine or its salt in a weight ratio of about 1:5 to about 1:60 or from about 1:12 to about 1:53 for the manufacture of a fixed-dose pharmaceutical composition for the treatment of allergic rhinitis in a subject in need thereof, wherein the composition is nasally administered as 1 or 2 sprays per nostril of the subject once or twice daily. In one embodiment the fixed-dose pharmaceutical composition is a suspension wherein the mometasone or its salt is present in particulate form and the olopatadine or its salt is present in dissolved form.

In another aspect of the embodiment, the composition is administered for a period of about 1 or 2 weeks. In yet another aspect of the embodiment, total nasal symptoms score (TNSS) of the subject is reduced by at least 40% or at least 50% from baseline after 1 or 2 weeks treatment. In yet another aspect of the embodiment, total ocular symptom score (TOSS) of the subject is reduced by at least 30% or at least 40% from baseline after 1 or 2 weeks treatment. In yet another aspect of the embodiment, no significant treatment-related adverse effects are observed in the subject after 1 or 2 weeks treatment. In yet another aspect of the embodiment, the subject exhibits a positive skin prick test to an allergen.

Another embodiment relates to a fixed-dose pharmaceutical composition comprising mometasone or its salt and olopatadine or its salt in a weight ratio of about 1:5 to about 1:60 or from about 1:12 to about 1:53 for use in treating allergic rhinitis in a subject in need thereof, wherein the composition is nasally administered as 1 or 2 sprays per nostril of the subject at least once daily. In an aspect, the fixed-dose pharmaceutical composition is a suspension wherein the mometasone or its salt is present in particulate form (e.g., having a mean particle size of from about 1 to about 20 μm, or from about 1 to about 15 μm) and the olopatadine or its salt is present in dissolved form. In another aspect of the embodiment, the composition is administered for a period of about 1 or 2 weeks. In yet another embodiment, the total nasal symptoms score (TNSS) of the subject is reduced by at least 40% or at least 50% from baseline after 1 or 2 weeks treatment. In yet another aspect of the embodiment, total ocular symptom score (TOSS) of the subject is reduced by at least 30% or at least 40% from baseline after 1 or 2 weeks treatment. In yet another embodiment, no significant treatment-related adverse effects are observed in the subject after 1 or 2 weeks treatment. In yet another aspect of the embodiment, the subject is a patient exhibiting a positive skin prick test to an allergen.

The composition may be administered for a period of about 1 week, 2 weeks, 4 weeks, 6 weeks or 8 weeks.

In the context of the present invention, the fixed dose pharmaceutical composition comprising mometasone or its salt, olopatadine or its salt are preferably supplied in the form of nasal spray with one or more pharmaceutical acceptable excipients (e.g., chelating agents, preservatives, buffer, surfactants, isotonic agent, taste masking agents, suspending agents, humectants, antioxidants and diluents) in a container and a kit providing directions on its usage and administration. The pharmaceutical composition may, for example, have any one of the formulations described in International Patent Application No. PCT/IB2014/064251, filed Sep. 4, 2014, or U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/483,837, filed Sep. 11, 2014, both of which are hereby incorporated by reference.

The pharmaceutical composition can be nasally administered with a nasal spray device (e.g., one capable of delivery a mist spray in the nostrils of a subject for local action on nasal mucosa).

The following examples are provided to enable one skilled in the art to practice the invention and these are merely illustrative of the invention and should not be read as limiting the scope of the invention.

EXAMPLES Example 1 Effect of Mometasone and Olopatadine and Their Combination on Ovalbumin Induced Rhinitis Model in Male Guinea Pigs

Male Dunkin Hartley guinea pigs were actively sensitized with a subcutaneous injection of 1.5 mg of ovalbumin and 20 mg of aluminum hydroxide gel on days 0 and 7. Guinea pigs were sensitized intranasally with 2% ovalbumin from days 14-17. On day 28, the animals were challenged with 6% ovalbumin intranasally.

Animal Grouping

Actively sensitized animals were randomly assigned to one of the following 5 groups during the experiment (see Table 1).

A: Saline Control (vehicle treated/saline challenged),

B: Ovalbumin Control (vehicle treated/ovalbumin challenged),

C: Olopatadine hydrochloride 50 μg (based on the equivalent weight of olopatadine free base) (olopatadine hydrochloride 50 μg treated/ovalbumin challenged),

D: Mometasone furoate 10 μg (mometasone furoate 10 μg treated/ovalbumin challenged) and

E: Combination (mometasone furoate 10 μg+olopatadine hydrochloride 50 μg (based on the equivalent weight of olopatadine free base) treated/ovalbumin challenged).

Compound Administration

Mometasone furoate 10 μg was given intranasally 24 hours and 1 hour prior to the final ovalbumin challenge. Olopatadine hydrochloride was given intranasally 1 hour before the final ovalbumin challenge. The dosing volume was 40 μl/animal. The saline control group and ovalbumin control group received vehicle (40 μl, 0.1% Tween 80 in distilled water).

TABLE 1 Animal Groups Ovalbumin Animals/ Group Group Code Treatment Challenge group A Saline Vehicle − 6 Control B Ovalbumin Vehicle + 7 Control C Olopatadine Olopatadine + 7 50 μg Hydrochloride 50 μg D Mometasone Mometasone Furoate + 6 10 μg 10 μg E Combination Olopatadine + 7 Hydrochloride 50 μg + Mometasone Furoate 10 μg

In Vivo Evaluation Measurement of Sneezing Response

Sneezing response was determined by using whole body plethysmography (Buxco Research Systems, USA) for 50 minutes after final saline or ovalbumin challenge.

Nasal Lavage

Nasal lavage was performed at 4 hours after challenge of animals with saline or ovalbumin on day 28. Animals were anesthetized with an overdose of urethane, the trachea was exposed and nasal lavage was performed using 2 mL pre-warmed normal saline. The collected nasal lavage was taken for total cell count using a hemocytometer. The nasal lavage was centrifuged, and the cell pellet resuspended in 15 μL guinea pig serum and used for preparation of smears. Slides were stained with Leishman's stain and a differential cell count of 100 cells based on standard morphology was performed manually.

Calculations

The total number of eosinophils in each nasal lavage sample was calculated using the formula:

${{Total}\mspace{14mu} {{No}.\mspace{14mu} {of}}\mspace{14mu} {eosinophils}\; \left( {{in}\mspace{14mu} {nasal}\mspace{14mu} {lavage}} \right)} = \frac{\begin{matrix} {{Total}\mspace{14mu} {cell}\mspace{14mu} {count} \times 10^{5}\text{/}{mL} \times} \\ {{Percent}\mspace{14mu} {eosinophils}} \end{matrix}}{100}$

Percent inhibition of eosinophils was calculated using the following formula:

$\begin{matrix} {\% \mspace{14mu} {Inhibition}\mspace{14mu} {of}} \\ {eosinophilis} \end{matrix} = {\frac{\begin{matrix} {{{Avg}.\mspace{14mu} {eosinophils}_{({{Ovalbumin}\mspace{11mu} {control}})}} -} \\ {eosinophils}_{({compound})} \end{matrix}}{\begin{matrix} {{{Avg}.\mspace{14mu} {eosinophils}_{({{Ovalbumin}\mspace{11mu} {control}})}} -} \\ {{Avg}.\mspace{11mu} {eosinophils}_{({{Saline}\mspace{11mu} {Control}})}} \end{matrix}} \times 100}$

Data Analysis

Data was statistically analyzed using one way ANOVA followed by Dunnett's multiple comparison tests.

Results

Mometasone furoate monotherapy showed significant inhibition of total cell and eosinophils in nasal lavage but was not effective in inhibiting sneezing response. Olopatadine hydrochloride monotherapy did not show significant inhibition of any of the parameters in this model. The combination of mometasone furoate with olopatadine hydrochloride showed synergy for inhibition of sneezing response (FIG. 1), cellular infiltration in nasal lavage (FIG. 2) and nasal eosinophilia (FIG. 3) as compared to respective monotherapy arms (see Table 2).

TABLE 2 Summary of the effects of a combination of mometasone furoate and olopatadine hydrochloride on ovalbumin induced rhinitis model in guinea pigs. Olopatadine Mometasone Saline Ovalbumin Hydrochloride Furoate Combination Treatment control control (OH) (MF) (OH & MF)) Dose — — 50 10 50 (OH) & (μg per animal) 10 (MF) Number of Sneeze 0.5**  22    12.29 18.83  6* (0-50 min) Percent inhibition — — 45 15 74 of sneeze Total cell count × 0.48*** 6.79 6.63 3.90*     2.46*** 10⁵/ml nasal lavage Percent inhibition of — — 3 46 69 total cell count Eosinophils × 10⁵/ml 0.03*** 3.71 3.64 2.00*     1.26** nasal lavage % inhibition of — — 2 46 67 eosinophils *P < 0.05 vs. Ovalbumin Control, **P < 0.01 vs. Ovalbumin Control, ***P < 0.001 vs. Ovalbumin control

The combination of mometasone furoate and olopatadine hydrochloride showed a beneficial effect greater than the individual monotherapies. The combination of mometasone furoate and olopatadine hydrochloride showed synergy in the treatment of allergic rhinitis in this model.

Example 2 Effect of Mometasone and Olopatadine and Their Combination on Ovalbumin Induced Rhinitis Model in Male Guinea Pigs

The procedure in Example 1 was repeated except 120 μg of olopatadine hydrochloride (based on the equivalent weight of olopatadine free base) was used. The animal groups in Table 3 below were used during this experiment.

TABLE 3 Animal Groups Ovalbumin Animals/ Group Group Code Treatment Challenge group A Saline Vehicle − 9 Control B Ovalbumin Vehicle + 10 Control C Olopatadine Olopatadine + 10 120 μg Hydrochloride 120 μg D Mometasone Mometasone Furoate + 9 10 μg 10 μg E Combination Olopatadine + 10 Hydrochloride 120 μg + Mometasone Furoate 10 μg

Compound administration was performed as in Example 1, except the dosing volume was 60 μl/animal. The saline control group and ovalbumin control group received vehicle (60 μl, 0.1% Tween 80 in distilled water). In vivo evaluations were performed as in Example 1.

Results

Mometasone monotherapy showed significant inhibition of total cell and eosinophils in nasal lavage but was not effective in inhibiting sneezing response. Olopatadine monotherapy did not show significant inhibition of any of the parameter in this model. The combination of mometasone with olopatadine showed synergy for the inhibition of nasal eosinophilia, cellular infiltration in nasal lavage and sneezing response as compared to the respective monotherapies (see FIGS. 4-6 and Table 4).

TABLE 4 Summary of the effects of combination of mometasone and olopatadine on ovalbumin induced rhinitis model in guinea pigs Olopatadine Mometasone Saline Ovalbumin Hydrochloride Furoate Combination Treatment control control (OH) (MF) (OH & MF) Dose — — 120 10 120 (OH) & (μg per animal) 10 (MF) Number of Sneeze 0.89*** 35.70  17.90 37.33 13.30* (0-50 min) Percent inhibition — — 51 −5 64 of sneeze Total cell count × 0.58*** 6.88 5.83 4.96 3.66*** 10⁵/ml nasal lavage Percent inhibition of — — 17 30 51 total cell count Eosinophils × 10⁵/ml 0.03*** 3.36 3.08 2.69 1.66** nasal lavage % inhibition of — — 8 20 51 eosinophils *P < 0.05 vs. Ovalbumin Control, **P < 0.01 vs. Ovalbumin Control, ***P < 0.001 vs. Ovalbumin Control

The combination of mometasone furoate and olopatadine hydrochloride showed a beneficial effect greater than the individual monotherapies. The combination of mometasone and olopatadine showed synergy in this guinea pig rhinitis model.

Example 3 Clinical Study of Fixed Dose Combination of Mometasone and Olopatadine Nasal Spray in Human Patients

The study was a single-centre, double blind, double-dummy, randomized, parallel-group, comparative Environmental Exposure Chamber (EEC) study to evaluate the efficacy, safety and tolerability of (i) two fixed dose combination products of mometasone furoate and olopatadine hydrochloride nasal spray, (ii) a fixed dose combination of azelastine hydrochloride and fluticasone propionate nasal spray (DYMISTA®), (iii) olopatadine nasal spray (PATANASE®), and (iv) a placebo nasal spray in patients with seasonal allergic rhinitis (SAR).

Key Objectives

-   -   To evaluate the efficacy of two strengths of the fixed dose         combination (FDC) of mometasone furoate and olopatadine         hydrochloride nasal spray when compared with a placebo nasal         spray.     -   To evaluate the comparative efficacy of (i) two regimens of FDC         products containing mometasone furoate and olopatadine         hydrochloride nasal spray, (ii) a fixed dose combination of         azelastine hydrochloride and fluticasone propionate nasal spray         (DYMISTA®), and (iii) Olopatadine nasal spray (PATANASE®).     -   To compare the efficacy of (i) a fixed dose combination of         azelastine hydrochloride and fluticasone propionate nasal spray         and (ii) olopatadine nasal spray, when compared with a placebo         nasal spray.     -   To compare the onset of action between active treatments groups         after the first dose defined as “the first time point after         initiation of treatment when the drug demonstrates a significant         reduction in instantaneous TNSS compared to the placebo         treatment that proves durable from this point.”     -   To compare the EEC-Quality of Life Questionnaire (QoLQ) and         tolerability and acceptability between a fixed dose combination         of mometasone furoate and olopatadine hydrochloride once daily         and a fixed dose combination of mometasone furoate and         olopatadine hydrochloride twice daily.     -   To evaluate the comparative safety between the various treatment         arms.

Sample Size

A total of 36 patients per treatment arm were randomized in the study. The total number of randomized subjects throughout the five treatment arms was 180.

Patient Population

Subjects suffering from seasonal allergic rhinitis for the last two years that require treatment either with intranasal antihistamines and/or intranasal steroids were included in the study.

Key Subject Selection Criteria

1. Patients age ≧18 and ≦65 years inclusive of either sex;

2. Patient with a known clinical history of seasonal allergic rhinitis (for at least 2 years) and exhibiting a positive skin prick test (wheal diameter at least 3 mm greater than saline control) to one of the regional allergens;

3. Patients with the ability to understand and sign a written informed consent form, which must have been obtained prior to screening; and

4. Patients willing to comply with the protocol requirements.

Study Deign

Patients were randomized to treatment in a 1:1:1:1:1 ratio to the following five treatment arms, at one study site:

1. Fixed dose combination of olopatadine hydrochloride 665 mcg and mometasone furoate 25 mcg twice daily (BID)

2. Fixed dose combination of olopatadine hydrochloride 665 mcg and mometasone furoate 50 mcg once daily (QD)

3. DYMISTA® nasal spray (azelastine hydrochloride 137 mcg+fluticasone propionate 50 mcg) Spray twice daily (BID)

4. PATANASE® nasal spray (olopatadine hydrochloride 665 mcg) twice daily (BID)

5. Placebo nasal spray

The double-dummy design including four masked nasal spray bottles (two for evening dosing and two for morning dosing) were utilized for this study (see Table A).

TABLE A Treatment Administration Using Four Masked Bottles of Nasal Sprays Morning Evening 1^(st) 2^(nd) 1^(st) 2^(nd) Treatment Arm bottle bottle bottle bottle 1 TP-1: Fixed dose combination Active Active Active Active of mometasone furoate 25 mcg + olopatadine hydrochloride 665 mcg twice daily (BID) 2 TP-2: Fixed dose combination Active Active Placebo Placebo of mometasone furoate 50 mcg + olopatadine hydrochloride 665 mcg once daily (QD) 3 DYMISTA ® twice daily Placebo Active Placebo Active (BID) 4 PATANASE ® twice daily Active Active Active Active (BID) 5 Placebo Placebo Placebo Placebo Placebo

This study consisted of five visits to the study site and a 12 day at-home dosing period (and 2 days of onsite dosing—a total of 14 days of dosing). Assessment of efficacy endpoints were done out of season, in an EEC facility. After the initial screening visit (Visit 1), patients who met all study criteria (including the main criteria for inclusion: a positive skin prick test (SPT) and a 2 year medical history of allergic rhinitis (AR) to ragweed allergen) underwent further screening/priming in the EEC (Visit 2). During the EEC session patients were exposed to ragweed pollen at a concentration of 3500±500 particles/m³ for 6 hours. Patients used an electronic diary (ePDAT™) to rate their ocular and nasal symptoms every 30 minutes in the EEC Patients who met a minimum qualifying TNSS of 6/12, including a score of at least 2 for nasal congestion on two consecutive diary entries continued in the study. At Visit 3, on the following day (Day 1), patients who met the minimum criteria returned to the EEC for a second consecutive EEC session. Patients were exposed to allergen for approximately 10 hours during this visit. During the first 6 hours, patients used the electronic diary to complete symptom assessments every 30 minutes and met the minimum qualifying symptom score in order to continue. Those who met the minimum qualifying symptom score were randomized to receive one of the five study drugs after the 6 hours time point in the EEC. After dosing (at approximately noon), patients were asked to complete symptom assessments at 5 minute, 10 minutes, 15 minutes, 25 minutes, 30 minute, 45 minutes, 60 minutes and then every 30 minutes for the remainder of the visit Post-treatment symptom assessments in the EEC were used to determine onset of action for study treatments. Patients were then sent home with their study medication to continue at-home BID dosing starting from the evening dose for Day 1. Patients continued at-home dosing for a period of 12 days. Following the 12 days (Days 2-13) of at-home dosing, patients returned to the EEC on Day 14 (Visit 4) for a post-treatment 6-hour priming EEC session. Patients were dosed with the morning dose of study drug one hour prior to entering the EEC. Symptoms were assessed every 30 minutes in the EEC Patients took their last dose of study treatment at midnight on the same day, and returned on the following morning (Day 15, Visit 5) for a 6 hour EEC session Over a period of 6 hours, patients used the electronic diary to complete symptom assessments every 30 minutes. In addition to collection of nasal and ocular symptoms, the electronic diary was used to collect EEC-Quality-of-Life Questionnaires (EEC-QoLQ) at Visits 2, 3, 4 and 5, and acceptability and tolerability at Visit 5. Visit 5 was the final visit for the study.

Priming

Fulfillment of the following criteria on each of two consecutive diary cards reading at priming visit: minimum TNSS of 6 out of 12, including a score of at least 2 for nasal congestion.

Randomization

-   -   Patients meeting these same criteria at both priming visits of 3         hours chamber duration in order to proceed to the treatment         visit (Visit 3).     -   At the treatment visit (Visit 3), a minimum TNSS of 6 out of 12         (including a score of at least 2 for nasal congestion).

Drug Formulations

The test product formulations used in the study were as follows:

Test Product 1 (TP-1)

Mometasone Furoate Monohydrate and Olopatadine Hydrochloride Nasal Spray (25 mcg+600 mcg)

Each spray delivered mometasone furoate monohydrate equivalent to 25 mcg mometasone furoate and olopatadine hydrochloride equivalent to 600 mcg olopatadine.

Test Product 2 (TP-2)

Mometasone Furoate Monohydrate and Olopatadine Hydrochloride Nasal Spray (50 mcg+600 mcg)

Each spray delivered mometasone furoate monohydrate equivalent to 50 mcg mometasone furoate and olopatadine hydrochloride equivalent to 600 mcg olopatadine.

Dosage Regimen 1. Investigational Products

-   -   TP-1: Fixed dose combination of Olopatadine hydrochloride (665         mcg) and Mometasone furoate (25 mcg) Nasal Spray: 2 sprays per         nostril were delivered Twice daily (BID) for two weeks.     -   TP-2: Fixed dose combination of Olopatadine hydrochloride (665         mcg) and Mometasone furoate (50 mcg) Nasal Spray: 2 sprays per         nostril were delivered once daily (QD) for two weeks

2. Reference Therapies

-   -   Olopatadine hydrochloride Nasal Spray (PATANASE® 0.6%): 2 sprays         per nostril were delivered twice daily for two weeks.     -   DYMISTA® (azelastine hydrochloride+fluticasone propionate) 137         mcg/50 mcg Nasal Spray: 1 spray per nostril was delivered twice         daily for two weeks.     -   Placebo Nasal Spray (based on vehicle of Investigational         product): 2 sprays per nostril were delivered twice daily for         two weeks.

Key Evaluation Criteria (Clinical Endpoints)

-   -   Change from baseline in mean post-treatment Total Nasal Symptoms         Score (TNSS) over placebo for fixed dose combination of         mometasone furoate and olopatadine hydrochloride. Mean TNSS were         calculated over 6 hours in the EEC for post-treatment at Visit 5         (over hours 18 to 24 after the first dosing on Day 14) and         matched baseline TNSS in the EEC at Visit 3 (over 6 hours prior         to first dosing).     -   Change from baseline in mean post-treatment TNSS for two         regimens of fixed dose combination of mometasone furoate and         olopatadine hydrochloride with reference products: DYMISTA®         nasal spray and PATANASE® nasal spray. Mean TNSS were calculated         over 6 hours in the EEC for post-treatment at Visit 5 (over         hours 18 to 24 after the first dosing on Day 14) and matched         baseline TNSS in the EEC at Visit 3 (over 6 hours prior to first         dosing).     -   Change from baseline in mean post-treatment TNSS for two         regimens of fixed dose combination of mometasone furoate and         olopatadine hydrochloride, DYMISTA® nasal spray and PATANASE®         nasal spray. Mean post-treatment TNSS were calculated over 6         hours in the EEC for post-treatment at Visit 4 (over hours 1 to         7 after first dosing on Day 14) and matched baseline TNSS in the         EEC at Visit 2 (over 6 hours).     -   Change from baseline in mean post-treatment TNSS for two         regimens of fixed dose combination of mometasone furoate and         olopatadine hydrochloride compared with reference products:         DYMISTA® nasal spray and PATANASE® nasal spray. Mean TNSS were         calculated over 12 hours in the EEC for post-treatment (at Visit         4 over 1 to 7 hours after first dosing on Day 14, and at Visit 5         over 18 to 24 hours after first dosing on Day 14) and matched         baseline TNSS in the EEC at Visit 2 and Visit 3 (over 12 hours         prior to first dosing).     -   Onset of Action for each treatment of fixed dose combination of         mometasone furoate and olopatadine hydrochloride, DYMISTA® and         PATANASE® were assessed by comparing change from baseline in         post-treatment TNSS between each active treatment and placebo at         every time point after the first treatment. Change from baseline         in TNSS were calculated at every time point after the first dose         of study treatment in the EEC at Visit 3 (i.e., over the last         four hours in the EEC at Visit 3) with baseline (Visit 3)         defined as the average of the last two time points pre-dosing.     -   Change from baseline in mean post-treatment Total Symptoms Score         (TSS), Individual Nasal Symptoms Scores (NSS, four nasal         symptoms of rhinorrhea, pruritus, sneezing and nasal congestion)         and TOSS over 6 hours in the EEC at Visit 5 and matched baseline         at Visit 3 (over 6 hours prior to first dosing).     -   Change from baseline in mean post-treatment Total Symptoms Score         (TSS), Individual Nasal Symptoms Scores (NSS, four nasal         symptoms of rhinorrhea, pruritus, sneezing and nasal congestion)         and TOSS over the 6 hours in the EEC at Visit 4 and matched         baseline at Visit 2 (over the 6 hours in the EEC).     -   Change from baseline in mean post-treatment Total Symptoms Score         (TSS), Individual Nasal Symptoms Scores (NSS, four nasal         symptoms of rhinorrhea, pruritus, sneezing and nasal congestion)         and TOSS over 12 hours in the EEC at Visit 4 and Visit 5 and         matched baseline over 12 hours in the EEC prior to dosing at         Visit 2 and Visit 3.     -   EEC-QoLQ for all treatment arms by comparing 1) pre-EEC-QoLQ at         baseline (Visit 2) with pre-EEC at Visit 4; 2) post-EEC at         baseline Visit 2 with post-EEC at Visit 4; 3) after 6 hours in         the EEC at Visit 3 (prior to first dosing) with post-EEC at         Visit 5.     -   Reflective tolerability and acceptability for treatment arms         compared to placebo post-EEC at Visit 5.

Results

Table B shows a summary of the TNSS change from baseline to post-treatment over 6 hours in EEC (ITT Population).

TABLE B PATANASE ® DYMISTA ® Parameters Placebo TP-1 TP-2 (Reference) (Reference) N 36 36 36 36 36 Baseline EEC Mean 7.64 8.07 8.20 8.67 8.27 EEC at the end Mean 6.61 3.31 3.94 4.80 6.38 of treatment (2 weeks) % Change from — 13.35 58.98 51.95 45.67 22.85 Baseline

Table C shows a summary of the TNSS change from baseline to post-treatment over 12 hours in EEC (ITT Population). (The data for NASONEX in Table C is sourced from its U.S. FDA approved label.)

TABLE C PATANASE ® DYMISTA ® Parameters TP-1 TP-2 (Reference) NASONEX ®* (Reference) N 36 36 36 176 36 Baseline EEC Mean 7.58 7.85 7.90 9.60 8.25 EEC at the end Mean 2.85 3.36 5.72 — 4.34 of treatment (2 weeks) % Change from — 62.4 57.07 27.5 27.92 48.24 Baseline *NASONEX ® (mometasone furcate nasal spray) US FDA Approved label (Jan. 19, 2011)

Table D shows a summary of the TOSS change from baseline to post-treatment over 12 hours in EEC (ITT Population).

TABLE D Param- PATANASE ® DYMISTA ® eters TP-1 TP-2 (Reference) (Reference) N 36 36 36 36 Baseline EEC Mean 3.97 4.17 3.92 4.54 EEC at the Mean 1.97 2.34 2.82 2.82 end of treatment (2 weeks) % Change — 50.37 43.6 28.3 37.88 from Baseline

The results of the study show that a combination of mometasone furoate and olopatadine hydrochloride, when administered nasally to a human patient, provides an effective treatment of seasonal allergic rhinitis and clinically significant reduction in both nasal and non-nasal symptoms associated therewith. The magnitude of this relief for TNSS was clinically relevant (i.e., greater than 2 units in difference—which is generally considered as clinically relevant—between the Test Products and Placebo). Test Product-1 showed overall better symptom relief with a faster onset of action as compared to the Reference Products (PATANASE® and DYMISTA®).

Example 4 Phase II Clinical Study of Fixed Dose Combination of Mometasone and Olopatadine Nasal Spray in Human Patients

The study is a double-blind, randomized, parallel-group, comparative study to evaluate the efficacy, safety and tolerability of two different strengths and regimens of a fixed dose combination of mometasone furoate and olopatadine hydrochloride nasal spray compared with a placebo nasal spray and individual monotherapy formulations of olopatadine hydrochloride nasal spray and mometasone furoate nasal spray, in subjects (12 years of age and older) with seasonal allergic rhinitis (SAR).

Key Objectives

-   -   To compare the efficacy of mometasone furoate and olopatadine         hydrochloride nasal spray once daily and mometasone furoate and         olopatadine hydrochloride nasal spray twice daily with the         placebo nasal spray and with the individual constituent         monotherapies at the same dose in the same vehicle over 14 days         of study treatment.     -   To compare the onset of action between mometasone furoate and         olopatadine hydrochloride nasal spray once daily and mometasone         furoate and olopatadine hydrochloride nasal spray twice daily         with the placebo and the individual constituent monotherapies at         the same dose in the same vehicle, after the first dose of study         drug administration.     -   To assess the safety and tolerability of individual treatment         arms.

TABLE E Investigational products and their administration Code Investigational product(s) Administration TP-1 Olopatadine hydrochloride + Twice daily (BID) in mometasone furoate morning and evening (665 μg + 25 μg) nasal spray TP-2 Olopatadine hydrochloride + Once daily (QD) in mometasone furoate morning (665 μg + 50 μg) nasal spray GO-1 Olopatadine hydrochloride (665 μg) Once daily (QD) in nasal spray morning GO-2 Olopatadine hydrochloride (665 μg) Twice daily (BID) in nasal spray morning and evening GM-1 Mometasone furoate (50 μg) Once daily (QD) in nasal spray morning GM-2 Mometasone furoate (25 μg) Twice daily (BID) in nasal spray morning and evening

Sample Size:

A total of approximately 1,106 randomized subjects (158 subjects per treatment arm) will be enrolled in the study.

Key Subject Selection Criteria:

-   -   1. Age≧12 and older inclusive of either sex.     -   2. Documented clinical history of SAR (for at least 2 years         preceding the screening visit) with exacerbations (clinical         evidence of active symptoms) and exhibiting a documented         positive SPT (wheal diameter at least 5 mm greater than control         wheal) to mountain cedar allergen.     -   3. A 12-hour reflective TNSS≧8 out of a possible 12 and a         congestion score of ≧2 for the AM assessment at the Screening         Visit (Visit 1).

Study Design:

Subjects will be randomized to treatment in a 1:1:1:1:1:1:1 ratio to the following seven treatment arms, at multiple study sites.

The double-dummy design including two identical nasal spray bottles (one for morning [AM] dosing and one for evening [PM] dosing) are utilized for this study (Table F). The double-dummy design is ensured for adequate blinding considering that treatments being compared vary in dosing frequency (BID compared with QD).

TABLE F Treatment Administration Using Two Identical Bottles of Nasal Sprays (2 sprays per nostril, total 4 sprays each bottle, per day) Morning Evening (AM) (PM) Code Treatment Arm 1^(st) bottle 2^(nd) bottle TP-1 Olopatadine hydrochloride 665 μg + Active Active mometasone furoate 25 μg twice daily (BID) TP-2 Olopatadine hydrochloride 665 μg + Active Placebo mometasone furoate 50 μg once daily (QD) GO-1 Olopatadine hydrochloride nasal Active Placebo spray (665 μg) once daily (QD) GO-2 Olopatadine hydrochloride nasal Active Active spray (665 μg) twice daily (BID) GM-1 Mometasone furoate nasal spray (50 Active Placebo μg) once daily (QD) GM-2 Mometasone furoate nasal spray (25 Active Active μg) twice daily (BID) Pbo Placebo nasal spray Placebo Placebo

This study consists of four visits to the study site. After the initial screening visit (Visit 1), subjects who meet all study selection criteria are required to undergo a single-blind placebo run-in period for 7-10 days. Following the completion of the run-in period, eligible subjects meeting the randomization criteria are enrolled and randomized to one of the seven treatment arms. Subjects are dispensed medication as per the randomization list. Randomized subjects are required to undergo a 2 week (14 days) treatment period as per the protocol to assess the efficacy and safety of the assigned treatment.

Key Evaluation Criteria (Clinical Endpoints): Primary Endpoint

-   -   Change from baseline in average AM and PM subject-reported         12-hour rTNSS (reflective TNSS) over the 14-day treatment         period.

Secondary Endpoints

-   -   Change from baseline in average AM and PM subject-reported         12-hour iTNSS (instantaneous TNSS) over the 14 day treatment         period.     -   Change from baseline in average AM and PM subject-reported         12-hour rTOSS (reflective TOSS) over the 14-day treatment         period.     -   Onset of action for each treatment are assessed by comparing the         change from baseline in post-treatment iTNSS between each active         treatment and placebo at defined time points (prior to first         dose (pre-dose), 15 min, 30 min, 45 min, 60 min, 90 min, 120         min, 150 min, 180 min, 210 min, and 240 min) after the first         study treatment for 4 hours.     -   Change from baseline in the rhinoconjunctivitis quality of life         questionnaire (RQLQ) on day 15 between treatment arms for         subjects with impaired quality of life at baseline as defined by         the RQLQ Score at the randomization visit (RV) of 3.0 or greater         (RQLQ population).

Tertiary Efficacy Endpoints Nasal Symptoms:

-   -   Change from baseline in AM subject-reported rTNSS over the         14-day treatment period.     -   Change from baseline in AM subject-reported iTNSS over the         14-day treatment period.     -   Change from baseline in PM subject-reported rTNSS over the         14-day treatment period.     -   Change from baseline in PM subject-reported iTNSS over the         14-day treatment period.     -   Change from baseline in subject-reported reflective individual         nasal symptoms over the 14-day treatment period (AM, PM and         average of AM and PM).     -   Change from baseline in subject-reported instantaneous         individual nasal symptoms over the 14-day treatment period (AM,         PM and average of AM and PM).     -   Change from baseline in average AM and PM subject-reported rTNSS         and iTNSS for each day.     -   Change from baseline in AM subject-reported rTNSS and iTNSS for         each day.     -   Change from baseline in PM subject-reported rTNSS and iTNSS for         each day.

Ocular Symptoms:

-   -   Change from baseline in average AM and PM subject-reported iTOSS         (instantaneous TOSS) over the 14-day treatment period.     -   Change from baseline in AM subject-reported rTOSS over the         14-day treatment period.     -   Change from baseline in AM subject-reported iTOSS over the         14-day treatment period.     -   Change from baseline in PM subject-reported rTOSS over the         14-day treatment period.     -   Change from baseline in PM subject-reported iTOSS over the         14-day treatment period.     -   Change from baseline in subject-reported reflective individual         ocular symptoms over the 14-day treatment period (AM, PM and         average AM and PM).     -   Change from baseline in subject-reported instantaneous         individual ocular symptoms over the 14-day treatment period (AM,         PM and average AM and PM).     -   Change from baseline in average of the AM and PM         subject-reported rTOSS and iTOSS for each day.     -   Change from baseline in AM subject-reported rTOSS and iTOSS for         each day.     -   Change from baseline in PM subject-reported rTOSS and iTOSS for         each day.         The non-nasal symptoms are assessed in a similar manner to the         ocular symptoms above.

Physician Assessed Nasal Symptom Score (PNSS) and Rhinoconjuntivitis Quality of Life Questionnaire (RQLQ):

-   -   Physician assessed Nasal Symptom Score (PNSS) and physician         assessed individual nasal symptoms at Day 15 (Visit 4).     -   Individual domains of the RQLQ at Day 15 (Visit 4) for the RQLQ         population (defined as subject with impaired Quality of Life at         baseline).     -   RQLQ at Day 15 (Visit 4) for the full analysis set (FAS).

Although the invention herein has been described with reference to particular embodiments, it is to be understood that these embodiments are merely illustrative of the principles and application of the present invention. It is therefore to be understood that numerous modifications may be made to the illustrative embodiments.

All publications, patents, and patent applications cited in this application are herein incorporated by reference to the same extent as if each individual publication, patent, or patent application was specifically and individually indicated to be incorporated herein by reference. 

We claim:
 1. A method of treating allergic rhinitis in a human in need thereof comprising nasally administering to the human an effective amount of a fixed-dose pharmaceutical composition comprising mometasone or its salt and olopatadine or its salt, wherein (i) the composition is nasally administered as 1 or 2 sprays per nostril of the human at least once daily, and (ii) each spray comprises mometasone or its salt and olopatadine or its salt in a weight ratio of about 1:5 to about 1:60 (based on the equivalent weight of olopatadine free base).
 2. The method according to claim 1, wherein the weight ratio of mometasone or its salt to olopatadine or its salt ranges from about 1:12 to about 1:53 (based on the equivalent weight of olopatadine free base).
 3. The method according to claim 1, wherein each spray comprises about 25 mcg or about 50 mcg mometasone furoate and olopatadine hydrochloride equivalent to about 600 mcg olopatadine.
 4. The method according to claim 1, wherein the pharmaceutical composition is a suspension comprising mometasone or its salt in particulate form and olopatadine or its salt in solution.
 5. The method according to claim 1, wherein the composition is administered for a period of at least 1 week as (i) 1 spray per nostril once daily or twice daily, or (ii) 2 sprays per nostril once daily or twice daily.
 6. The method according to claim 1, wherein the allergic rhinitis is selected from perennial allergic rhinitis, persistent allergic rhinitis, seasonal allergic rhinitis, and nasal and/or non-nasal symptoms associated therewith.
 7. The method according to claim 1, wherein the allergic rhinitis is seasonal allergic rhinitis and/or nasal symptoms associated therewith.
 8. The method according to claim 1, wherein (i) the total nasal symptoms score (TNSS) of the human is reduced by at least 50% from baseline after 2 weeks treatment, and/or (ii) total ocular symptom score (TOSS) of the human is reduced by at least 40% from baseline after 2 weeks treatment, and/or (iii) no significant treatment-related adverse effects are observed in the human after 2 weeks treatment.
 9. The method according to claim 1, wherein the human exhibits a positive skin prick test to an allergen.
 10. A method of treating seasonal allergic rhinitis and/or nasal symptoms associated with seasonal allergic rhinitis in a human in need thereof comprising nasally administering to the human a synergistic combination comprising mometasone furoate and olopatadine hydrochloride, wherein the combination is in the form of a pharmaceutical composition comprising mometasone furoate in particulate form and olopatadine hydrochloride in solution in a weight ratio of about 1:13.3 to about 1:53.2 (based on the equivalent weight of olopatadine free base), and wherein the composition is administered as 1 or 2 sprays per nostril of the human, at least once daily for a period of at least 1 week.
 11. The method according to claim 10, wherein the composition is administered once daily for a period of 2 weeks.
 12. The method according to claim 10, wherein the composition is administered twice daily for a period of 2 weeks.
 13. The method according to claim 10, wherein each spray comprises about 25 mcg or about 50 mcg of mometasone furoate and about 665 mcg of olopatadine hydrochloride.
 14. The method according to claim 10, wherein (i) the total nasal symptoms score (TNSS) of the human is reduced claim 10by at least 50% from baseline after 2 weeks treatment, and/or (ii) total ocular symptom score (TOSS) of the human is reduced by at least 40% from baseline after 2 weeks treatment, and/or (iii) no significant treatment-related adverse effects are observed in the human after 2 weeks treatment.
 15. The method according to claim 10, wherein the human exhibits a positive skin prick test to an allergen. 